System, apparatus, and method for sealing a cover onto a container

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a system for sealing a cover onto a container. This system includes a die comprising a surface into which is formed a container receiving cavity and a groove. The system also includes a seal comprising a groove insert member comprising a body and a neck formed at one end of the body and a contact member comprising a first end and side walls extending to a second end, where the contact member is connected to the neck at the first end, the first end being wider than the neck to form two opposing edges that extend laterally from the neck, where the groove insert member is removably seated in the groove so that the two opposing edges rest on the surface to seal the groove. Also disclosed is a seal and a method of sealing a cover onto a container.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method for sealing a cover onto a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems for precision filling and sealing of single and multicompartment food containers are used for packaging food products, including refrigerated and frozen foods. One common type of sealing system is a platen sealing system. Platen sealing systems include variable speed machines that seal film or paperboard to containers. Platen sealers typically compress the film-tray mating surfaces between two opposing surfaces of the sealer. Commonly, one of the surfaces is the flat surface of a metal platen, and the opposing surface is a resilient rubber seal on which rests at least a portion of the container being sealed. Platen sealing systems have been developed that seal containers at speeds of up to 20-300 containers per minute.

One type of platen sealing system involves a heat sealing machine, in which a heated platen presses a seal film onto a container and seals the film onto the container at specific locations (e.g., the periphery of the container). Heat sealing systems use a combination of heat, force, and time to provide optimum seals. A common system for heat sealing includes a tray receiving die and a heated platen sealer. The tray receiving die typically includes a resilient rubber seal on which the periphery of the container rests. Commonly, the seal is glued or physically formed onto the die by rubber to metal bonding.

Over time, the seal on a tray receiving die tends to deform or crack and needs replacing. Replacement of glued or rubber to metal bonded seals can be disruptive to manufacturing. Often, replacement requires disassembly of the sealing system and specialized removal and reattachment of a new seal, which can only be done by the manufacturer of the sealing system at a distant location. The process is thus time consuming and expensive, and can disrupt manufacturing for several days. New systems are needed that possess a replaceable seal that can be easily changed by on-site service mechanics at low cost and with only momentary interruption of manufacturing.

The present invention is directed to overcoming limitations in the art and providing a system, seal, and method which achieve needed improvements in the cost and efficiency of replacing worn-out resilient seals on sealing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a system for sealing a cover onto a container. This system includes a die comprising a surface into which is formed a container receiving cavity and a groove. The system also includes a seal comprising a groove insert member comprising a body and a neck formed at one end of the body and a contact member comprising a first end and side walls extending to a second end, where the contact member is connected to the neck at the first end, the first end being wider than the neck to form two opposing edges that extend laterally from the neck, where the groove insert member is removably seated in the groove so that the two opposing edges rest on the surface to seal the groove.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a seal comprising a groove insert member comprising a body and a neck formed at one end of the body, the neck having a width less than that of the body; a contact member having a first end connected to the neck, the first end being wider than the neck to form two opposing edges that extend laterally from the neck; where the contact member comprises side walls extending convergently from the first end to a second end to form a tip at the second end, the tip having a width less than that of the body of the groove insert member; and where the stamp member has a length greater than that of the groove insert member.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of sealing a cover onto a container. This method involves providing the system according to the present invention; seating a container in the container receiving cavity; providing a cover for the container; and pressing together the cover and at least a portion of the container between the second end of the contact member and a sealing platen under conditions effective to seal the cover to the container.

The present invention improves the cost and efficiency by which a worn-out seal in a platen sealing system can be replaced. In addition, the system and seal of the present invention provide improvements in the seal structure to prevent bacterial growth and contamination, thus providing a system that is cleaner and prevents bacterial contamination of the food products being manufactured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system of the present invention including a (i) die comprising a surface into which is formed a container receiving cavity and a groove and (ii) a seal removably seated in the groove.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a die comprising a surface into which is formed a container receiving cavity and a groove.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the die shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken from section A-A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of a section of FIG. 5 showing one embodiment of a groove formed into a die comprising a surface into which is formed a container receiving cavity.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a seal of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the seal shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken from section A-A of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view of a section of FIG. 9 showing in cross-section one embodiment of a seal of the present invention, which includes a groove insert member comprising a body and a neck formed at one end of the body and a contact member comprising a first end and side walls extending to a second end, where the contact member is connected to the neck at the first end, the first end being wider than the neck to form two opposing edges that extend laterally from the neck.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the seal of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the system of the present invention taken from section A-A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged detail view of a section of FIG. 12 showing in cross-section one embodiment of a seal of the present invention removably seated in a groove formed in a die. The seal is shown to have two opposing edges that rest on the surface of the die to seal the groove.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method for sealing a cover onto a container. A first aspect of the present invention relates to a system for sealing a cover onto a container. FIG. 1 illustrates system 2, which is one embodiment of the system of the present invention. System 2 includes die 10 and seals 20(1) and 20(2). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, die 10 has surface 12 into which is formed two container receiving cavities 14(1) and 14(2), although die 10 may include any number of container receiving cavities, including a single container receiving cavity with a single seal. While container receiving cavities 14(1) and 14(2) are shown to completely penetrate die 10, such cavities may be formed as shallow or deep indentations in surface 12 without penetrating through the entirety of die 10.

Die 10 may be formed of any durable material, and will most commonly be constructed from metal, e.g., aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, surface 12 of die 10 is substantially planar.

Seals 20(1) and 20(2) are seated in a groove formed in die 10 around the edges of container receiving cavity 14(1) and 14(2), respectively.

FIG. 2 is a top view of system 2 shown in FIG. 1. Again, die 10 is shown to have surface 12 into which is formed two container receiving cavities 14(1) and 14(2). Seals 20(1) and 20(2) are seated in a groove formed in die 10 around the edges of container receiving cavities 14(1) and 14(2), respectively.

Die 10 is shown separate of any seal in the perspective view of FIG. 3 and the top view of FIG. 4. In the absence of any seal around the edges of container receiving cavities 14(1) and 14(2), grooves 16(1) and 16(2) are visible.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, container receiving cavities 14(1) and 14(2) have recessed ledges 18(1) and 18(2) around the periphery of container receiving cavities 14(1) and 14(2), respectively. Recessed ledges 18(1) and 18(2) are optional and, if present, may be recessed at varying depths and at varying widths. In one embodiment, a container receiving cavity has no recessed ledge around its periphery. In another embodiment, a container receiving cavity has a recessed ledge with a groove formed in about the center of the width of the recessed ledge. In a further embodiment, a container receiving cavity has a recessed ledge which is substantially planar, with similar or different depths on either side of the groove. Various configurations of the periphery of the container receiving cavity can be used to accommodate various geometries and types of containers to be received in the container receiving cavities.

Groove 16(1) is shown in the cross section view of FIG. 5, which is a cross section of die 10 along section A-A of FIG. 4. As illustrated, groove 16(1) is formed into recessed ledge 18(1) of surface 12. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of one edge of container receiving cavity 14(1) having recessed ledge 18(1) with groove 16(1) formed therein. The particular embodiment of groove 16(1) illustrated in FIG. 6 is shown to have a bulbous cavity 24 for accommodating the bulbous body of a groove insert member of a seal (discussed infra). Groove 16(1) is also shown to have neck 22, which is narrower in width than bulbous cavity 24 to secure e.g., a bulbous body of a groove insert member of a seal securely into die 10. However, groove 16(1) may have other geometries than a bulbous cavity. For example, groove 16(1) may have a square or rectangular cavity, or may have a cavity having a concave geometry of various depths and widths.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, surface 12 has recessed ledge 18(1) in which groove 16(1) is formed. Recessed ledge 18(1) has step-down section 26 which, in this particular embodiment, accommodates a particular feature of a container to be situated into container receiving cavity 14(1).

As mentioned supra, the system of the present invention includes a die and a seal. The details of one embodiment of the seal of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 7-10. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of seal 20, which in the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is formed as one continuous, rectangular loop. However, the seal of the present invention may be a single linear segment formed into e.g., a loop with its two ends abutting, or any other geometry suitable for its particular application.

The seal of the present invention is, according to one embodiment, constructed of a resilient and durable rubber material. In one embodiment, the seal is bendable, so as to be formed into a necessary shape (e.g., rectangular) matching the outline of a container. In another embodiment, the seal is constructed of a polymeric material or, e.g., the rubber NBR 85A or other rubber material with properties similar to that of NBR 85A, although other materials having other properties may also be used.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of seal 20 shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of seal 20 along section A-A of FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 9, seal 20 has groove insert member 30 and contact member 32. The structural features of seal 20 are shown in greater detail in the enlarged cross section view of seal 20 shown in FIG. 10. These structural features include, inter alia, groove insert member 30 and contact member 32.

Groove insert member 30 has body 34 which, in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, has a bulbous structure. Groove insert member 30 also has neck 36 formed at one end of body 34. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, neck 36 is narrower in width than body 34.

In one embodiment, the body of the groove insert member is a continuously smooth surface. In other words, the body is formed without any rib formations or other features that, e.g., prevent the surface of the body from fitting entirely into the cavity defining the groove. It may be advantageous for the body of the groove insert member to fill the entirety of the cavity defining the groove to prevent the formation of cavities that, e.g., serve as places of bacterial growth.

Contact member 32 has first end 38 and side walls 44 extending to second end 40. Contact member 32 is connected to neck 36 at first end 38. As illustrated, first end 38 is wider than neck 36 so as to form two opposing edges 46(1) and 46(2) that extend laterally from neck 36. In one embodiment, opposing edges 46(1) and 46(2) extend laterally from neck 36 in a single plane.

In the particular embodiment of seal 20 shown in FIG. 10, side walls 44 of contact member 32 converge toward second end 40 to form tip 42. As shown, tip 42 of contact member 32 is narrower than the width of body 34 of groove insert member 30. In one embodiment, tip 42 has a width less than a sealing surface on a container to be sealed (e.g., the peripheral edge of the container).

FIG. 11 is a front view of seal 20 which, again, shows groove insert member 30 and contact member 32. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the groove insert member and the contact member are formed as a single structure, although this need not be the case.

In the system of the present invention, the groove insert member of the seal is removably seated in the groove so that the two opposing edges rest on the surface of the die to seal the groove. In one embodiment, the seal is forcefully inserted into the groove so that the groove insert member fits snuggly with the cavity defining the groove. When replacement of the seal is needed due to deterioration or cracking of the seal, the seal may be pried loose of the groove and replaced with a new seal. Thus, replacement of the seal does not require specialized knowledge and skills.

FIG. 12 is a cross section view along section A-A of FIG. 2 illustrating the details of seal 20(1) seated into groove 16(1) of die 10 of system 2.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of one edge of container receiving cavity 14(1) shown in FIG. 12, which shows the details of seal 20(1) being removably seated in groove 16(1). As illustrated in the particular embodiment in FIG. 13, body 34 of seal 20 has a bulbous structure that fits tightly into a matching bulbous cavity of groove 16(1).

As illustrated in FIG. 13, when seal 20(1) is removably seated in groove 16(1), opposing edges 46(1) and 46(2) of seal 20(1) extend laterally from the neck of seal 20(1) in a single plane to seal groove 16(1). An advantage of the present invention is the sealing of the groove in the die to prevent entry into the groove of bacteria which could then contaminate the contents of the container being sealed with a cover. This feature is particularly advantageous, for example, in food processing and packaging environments where exposure of the groove to the surrounding environment would create a location for nutrients and bacteria to incubate, thus creating the possibility of bacterial contamination of food during processing. Bacterial contamination of food and other products could create a health hazard to consumers.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method of sealing a cover onto a container. This method involves providing the system according to the present invention; seating a container in the container receiving cavity; providing a cover for the container; and pressing together the cover and at least a portion of the container between the second end of the contact member and a sealing platen under conditions effective to seal the cover to the container.

In carrying out the method of the present invention, it may be necessary to apply heat during said processing to create a seal between the container and the cover for the container.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A system for sealing a cover onto a container comprising: a die comprising a surface into which is formed a container receiving cavity and a groove and a seal comprising: a groove insert member comprising a body and a neck formed at one end of the body and a contact member comprising a first end and side walls extending to a second end, wherein the contact member is connected to the neck at the first end, the first end being wider than the neck to form two opposing edges that extend laterally from the neck; wherein the groove insert member is removably seated in the groove so that the two opposing edges rest on the surface to seal the groove.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the die is substantially planar.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the groove is formed continuously around the container receiving cavity.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the neck has a width less than that of the body.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the side walls converge to form a tip at the second end.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the tip has a width less than that of the body of the groove insert member.
 7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the side walls have a length greater than that of said groove insert member.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body has a bulbous shape.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the groove insert member and the contact member are formed as a single structure.
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body is formed as a continuously smooth surface.
 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the two opposing edges extend laterally from the neck in a single plane.
 12. A seal comprising: a groove insert member comprising a body and a neck formed at one end of the body, the neck having a width less than that of the body; a contact member having a first end connected to the neck, the first end being wider than the neck to form two opposing edges that extend laterally from the neck; wherein the contact member comprises side walls extending convergently from the first end to a second end to form a tip at the second end, the tip having a width less than that of the body of the groove insert member; and wherein the stamp member has a length greater than that of the groove insert member.
 13. The seal according to claim 12, wherein the body has a bulbous shape.
 14. The seal according to claim 12, wherein the groove insert member and the contact member are formed as a single structure.
 15. The seal according to claim 12, wherein the body is a continuously smooth surface.
 16. The seal according to claim 12, wherein the two opposing edges extend laterally from the neck in a single plane.
 17. A method of sealing a cover onto a container, said method comprising: providing the system according to claim 1; seating a container in the container receiving cavity; providing a cover for the container; and pressing together the cover and at least a portion of the container between the second end of the contact member and a sealing platen under conditions effective to seal the cover to the container.
 18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising: applying heat during said pressing.
 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the neck has a width less than that of the body.
 20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the side walls converge to form a tip at the second end.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the tip has a width less than that of the body of the groove insert member.
 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the side walls have a length greater than that of the groove insert member. 